Choosing the Right Sailing Clothes for You
Most of us go sailing to enjoy time the best our natural world has to offer...
But when you go sailing you are exposed to the elements especially if you head offshore.
The sun is super-strong with magnified reflections from the water.
You can face extremes of heat and cold and biting winds.
And at some stage rain, waves and/or spray will attempt to soak you.
Wear the right sailing clothes and you will stay dry and warm and get the very best from your time on the water.
Your choice of sailing gear will vary depending on what you are planning, but here's a basic list of essentials every yacht sailor needs
- Wet weather gear (jacket and bib pants)
- Beany hat
- Sun hat or cap
- Gloves (if you like to wear them)
- Sunblock
- Lip balm with sunblock
- Sunglasses (plus spare pair if you're going offshore)
- Non-slip, non-marking shoes
You might also consider getting your own life jacket more details here
Sailing Clothes - Wet Weather Gear
Your wet weather gear is really important to keep you dry in the face of strong winds and ocean spray.
Modern jackets are designed so that water doesn't run down your neck and the pants are generally a bib style to protect your midriff from biting wind.
For coastal cruising a jacket like the Hydropower Bay from Helly Hansen is a great choice and will give you all the protection you need.
The next level is the Salt jacket and Coastal bib.
Two layer seam sealed construction ensures you and your belongings are both dry and protected while SOLAS reflectives and seat and knee reinforcements on the bib protect you from any rough surfaces on your boat.
And for serious blue water cruising go for a full blown Offshore jacket.
Offshore jackets generally offer an extra high collar and double storm flap.
They also are warmer and have special features to ensure your comfort like fleece lined collars and pockets.
Sailing Clothes - Underlayers
Many of us just wear regular shorts or pants and t-shirts under our wet-weather gear. This is fine for harbour sailing.
If you're heading offshore or regularly sailing in bad weather you might want to look at some of the specialist layered clothing on the market.
Specialist mid-layers are warm but light and very quick drying.
There are various options depending on the level of warmth you need.
And for serious sailors specialist base layers are like a second skin.
This underlayer is light and comfortable to wear. It works to remove moisture away from your body quickly and effectively. And it drys quickly if you need to wash it.
Helly Hansen offer 3 different kinds of base layer - the right one for you depends on the outside temperature and how active you are on deck.
